My aunt died a few months ago. I made it to Memphis to see her the day she died. Super quick trip, but I’m very glad I was able to do it.

5. What countries did you visit?

None.

Vacation was in Utah. Had some abstracts accepted at some conferences, so I traveled to New Orleans, DC and Denver for all of that.

We made it to Memphis and Atlanta, too, of course, to visit our families.

6. What would you like to have in 2016 that you lacked in 2015?

Less stress. More monotony.

7. What moments from 2015 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

Utah, for sure.

MC’s 1st birthday.

Days like this:

Halloween. Because:

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Not dropping out of school.

Also:

Those conferences (and the workshops I presented) were a pretty big deal, too, as far as my CV goes.

9. What was your biggest failure?

Stressing too much about things out of my control. Not trusting that I’m capable and competent and all that jazz.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

No.

11. What was the best thing you bought?

And …

It was just time.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

Jon’s child #3 (MC’s mom). She is SUCH a good mom. She has risen to the occasion in ways that have just totally blown me away.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

MC’s father, but that’s not my story to tell. Let’s just say he has not risen to the occasion. In any way.

14. Where did most of your money go?

Life? I don’t know. New cars. Travel. A new water heater (surprise!). Our vet (also a surprise!).

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Utah. I love vacations.

16. What song will always remind you of 2015?

None. I don’t really listen to much music.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? Probably neutral. b) thinner or fatter? Fatter. c) richer or poorer? Richer.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Running. Exercising, in general, I guess. Focusing more on good health. I miss it (the hobby – my health is still pretty good, was just in a maintenance/survival vs. thrive mode).

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Stressing. Giving in to anxiety. Doubting myself.

20. How did you spend Christmas?

Christmas was so great this year!

Jon’s kids and my brother and his girlfriend all came over on Christmas Eve for dinner. We skyped and opened presents with my mom that day, too.

We spent Christmas morning at home with just the 4 of us – me, Jon, his child #3 and MC. Jon was Santa and MC was totally blown away. Didn’t seem to have a clue that it was Jon, which surprised us.

They left for a while to visit her mom, so Jon and I hung out at home and took naps and just had a quiet afternoon. They came back and Jon’s child #4 and her boyfriend came over – so we got out all of the leftovers and played with MC, etc.

Really fantastic holiday.

21. Did you fall in love in 2015?

Not with anyone new.

This kid, though.

22. What was your favorite TV program?

Trailer Park Boys. Totally binged and now I’m about to start over.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

I really don’t know that I “hate” anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?

Oh god. I don’t have time to read for fun. I read a couple of decent textbooks, I guess.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?

Don’t have one.

26. What did you want and get?

A new car.

27. What did you want and not get?

Can’t think of anything. I’m pretty spoiled.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?

I saw exactly ONE movie this year (unless you count the Trailer Park Boys movies I watched on Netflix): Star Wars. It was good.

Seeing and experiencing it with Jon was better. He has this sweet story about his dad taking him to see the first one when he was a kid. He didn’t want to go because he thought it would be stupid, but was totally blown away by all of the (1970s) special effects and was an immediate fan.

He was super excited to go. We went to dinner afterward and talked about it and googled stuff and just generally had a fun night together.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I turned 35.

My mom and aunt came to visit a few days prior.

We went out to breakfast and then took them to the mountains.

Jon took the actual day off and hung out at home with me.

And I got a second cake!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

Probably more balance. Who knew getting a PhD would be kinda hard?

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2015?

Nonexistent.

I just remembered that this was one of my resolutions. To dress better/learn how to dress myself. I tried for a while – and took some really shitty pictures.

Maybe I’ll keep working on this in 2016.

Also, our room has been the last on the list – but 2016 is the year of the makeover. These pictures remind me that it needs to happen.

32. What kept you sane?

Jon. Good food. The ability to plan fun trips (AKA have something to look forward to).

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I can’t think of anything off the top of my head. I really don’t care about this sort of thing.

34. What political issue stirred you the most?

I don’t have the energy to get into this.

35. Who did you miss?

All of our families live in other areas, so ….

36. Who was the best new person you met?

One of Jon’s German co-workers. I’d technically met her before when I traveled to Germany with Jon, but we became friends during her time in the US and I miss her being here.